Nearly 90 dogs seized from Madison Twp. property; others found dead

Bond was set Wednesday afternoon for a Madison Twp. woman accused of animal cruelty after nearly 90 dogs were seized from her property on Mosiman Road last week.

Ronda Murphy, 60, is charged with one felony count of cruelty to companion animals and two misdemeanor counts in Middletown Municipal Court by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

A warrant was issued for her arrest Monday. Murphy was initially taken to a hospital for a medical condition and was arrested after being released from medical care.

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Middletown Municipal Court Judge James Sherron set Murphy’s total bond at $5,000 with a 10 percent rule. She is scheduled to be back in court Aug. 9 for a preliminary hearing.

According to the BCSO, more charges may be filed in the future.

According to court documents, deputies, detectives and deputy dog wardens arrived at the property in the 5000 block of Mosiman early July 27 for a welfare check on the dogs.

Murphy ran a rescue called ”Helping Hands for Furry Paws” and she was known to authorities because of previous calls, according to the court complaint.

In addition to the dogs found alive in “horrific” conditions, 30 canine bodies were discovered in refrigerators and freezers throughout the property and an Eck Road property also owned by Murphy, BCSO said.

“Some bodies were decomposed or liquified and unable to be removed. Eighteen bodies were identifiable and able to be seized,” said Deputy Dog Warden Abigail Forkner in the complaint.

Animal Friends Humane Society on Princeton Road in Hamilton is now caring for the surviving pups.

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Megan Poffenbarger, intake specialist at Animal Friends, said the staff is assessing the dogs and they are receiving veterinarian care. A few of the dogs are injured and have skin conditions, she said.

At last count, there were 86 dogs seized that the shelter is now caring for — and will be for the foreseeable future.

“We unfortunately don’t have the cage space for this, so some of the dogs are in pop-up kennels … they are about to come into our offices. It is a lot, “ she said last week.

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There are senior dogs as well as nursing mothers and newborn puppies. Most are hound and retriever mixes that need socialization, but will one day be adoptable.

“It is a good crew. All the dogs have been pretty friendly,” Poffenbarger said. “They are starving for treats and attention. They are really enjoying all the attention and food.”

After the shelter posted information about the situation and how residents could help, donations began pouring in. More than $20,000 has been donated and 60 Amazon donations of supplies were received in one day.

“We are very fortunate for the community stepping up,” she said. “It is amazing to see.”